when?

[oxygn]

Hi guys,

Just want to seek some advice on when to start diving with a dSLR setup?

How proficient should we be at diving before venturing into dSLR U/W photography? and should we have our own dive equipment before attempting to bring this kind of setup underwater?

tks

 

[howeikwok]

hmmm, who the heck cares as long as you have the dough to buy it, hehehe.... on the other question about diving equipment, it would seem rather strange if you could afford an underwater DSLR set-up and not have your own equipment? :dunno:

 

[bighead]

I think the most important thing is to be comfortable with your equipment and ease of use. A camera underwater is just another bulky equipment you would like to take care of and your own safety is usually much much more important ... In short, just be comfortable with yourself underwater. Many things can wait ...

 

[antacid]

when being underwater is 2nd nature to you, then you'll get the most out of your underwater camera.

how to get good shots when you're messing around with your BC, struggling to get into position, and grabbing everything in sight just to stay at the same spot?

having your own dive equipment is not a pre-requisite. but without them, your huge rig would have lost its chick appeal by about 78.37%.

 

[lovells19]

You should get your own equipment, DSLR underwater is not exactly light and easy to handle when you're concentrating on shooting, the last thing you want is to fumble with your dive gear and buoyancy while shooting

So, get your own gears, get familiar with it then go into shooting,

if you cannot get your buoyancy right, then don't shoot, its ok if you hurt urself, but if u kill corals then its not very nice

 

[camerashy]

I fully agree. Safety and preservation comes before our own interest for u/w photography. If you are confident in being an experienced diver, then maybe start off first with a P&S camera in a u/w housing instead o0f a more complicated dslr with its fiddles, strobe, etc.

 

[eudon]

I think you need...

Buoyancy control, to stop you smashing into things, finning into coral or floating away.
Finning technique, so you dont create sand storms.
Equipment handling, coz everything is more cumbersome with a dlsr housing, arms and strobe.
UW navigation, so you can try and re-find your group after spending 10mins taking that macro shot

 

[Sinker]

get your personal equipment first, especially a dive com. if you are ready to commit yourself to a DSLR setup for u/w photography, i take it that you will want to maximise its usage. you will find diving, and hence u/w photography, more enjoyable and effective using your own equipment...